Cockshutt, William Henry "Bill"

February 14th, 2018

With heavy hearts we announce the gentle passing of William Henry (Bill) Cockshutt on Wednesday, February 14th, 2018, at the age of 89. Bill leaves behind an adoring wife, Helen, his four married sons Tony (Jane), Dean (Connie), Franklin (Upama), Neal (Tania) and their families. He was an attentive husband and wonderful father and grandfather to Roger, Jan, Evan, Lisa, Bailey and April. He is also survived by his three sisters, Janice (Graham, deceased) Kneale, Barbara (Ken) Harper and Bette Ross. Bill was a warm and thoughtful gentleman who treated those around him with respect. He was easily approachable and left a lasting impression on people of being “a great guy”. Bill came from the family that developed Cockshutt Farm Equipment. He worked for the company, and in later years spent his time researching and writing several books about both the company and his family heritage. He found strength, support and companionship through the International Cockshutt Club which evolved from a club into something more like an extended family. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario (www.parkinsonsociety.ca) would be greatly appreciated.

Book of Condolences

Rob AdlamHelen, Tony, Neal, Franklin and Dean,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Bill. He was a great friend to all he had contact with. I will always be grateful for the way he befriended me. He was a great encourager with a wonderful positive attitude. His love for all of you was always evident and he was so proud of his family! Two gifts he left us with were the example to honour our heritage and to treat each other as family. What a great legacy he left for us!

Donna and Dennis StewartDear Helen and family,
We were so sorry to hear the news about Bill, and we send our prayers and thoughts to you all.
It was a privilege to meet, know and work with Bill, from the time I first interviewed him, through the planning of the Cockshutt Homecoming and into the development of the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre Board of Directors.
Such a kind, and gentle human being, he was loved by many. We shall remember his spirit and demeanor as he watches over us all from now on.
The rose grows beyond the wall, much love to all. We are grateful for the experiences we shared.
We regret that we cannot attend the service as we are out of the country until Spring.
Take care,
Donna and Dennis

Greg and Dena BrownTo Helen and family. We are very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was such a wonderful man and a treasure to all who knew him.
Is was our extreme pleasure to have known him since the creation of the International Cockshutt Club so many years ago. Bill always had a kind word for everyone no matter who you were, young or old. He was a friendly smiling face at spring meetings and summer shows and he will be greatly missed. He made us all feel like we were a part of his family.
Our heart goes out to you all during this time.
Greg Brown ICCI President
Dena Brown

Lorraine (Hodgins) ThompsonDear Helen & family. My condolences to all the family. Bill was a wonderful person and a true gentleman. I enjoyed his carving class. He was a great instructor who put you at ease and made you feel like you could really do the job. Bill will be missed by all who knew him. Lorraine (Hodgins) Thompson

Kirsten Ross & David MacFadyenWe're so very sorry to hear of Mr. Cockshutt's passing. Sincerest condolences to Franklin & Upama, Mrs. Cockshutt, and the entire Cockshutt family. We wish you all peace.

Reg Clarke and Sandy JonesFranklin and Upama,
Thinking of you at this time. We wish you strength.
All the best.
Reg and Sandy

Larry&Karen BuchananSo many great times with Bill & the Cockshutt Club.
Bill will be missed!
Sending our Love & prayers to Helen & Family
May your fond memories support all of you at this time.
Larry & Karen

Bill and Mary Lou NicholsonWe were saddened to learn of Bill' passing and offer our sincere condolences to Helen and all the family. Bill was a true gentleman and our contacts with him were always most pleasant.

John & Mary JarrellWe are so sad not to be with you at this very difficult time, but as thru the years we are always with you in spirit. Helen we have so many wonderful memories of our long and very special friendship with you and Bill. You and Tony, Dean, Frank and Neal have lost a wonderful husband and father. We have lost a very dear friend. Sending much love and hugs for all. Mary “Love” and John.

valerie & grant weberGrant and I are very saddened to hear of the loss of Bill and are sending are deepest condolences to you all Val. and Grant Weber Members of the I.C.C.I family

Norman & Pearl FennellWe wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Helen and all of Bill's family. We will miss his sharing of the history of Cockshutts, his presence at ICCI functions, and the note of pleasure in his voice whenever we would meet.

John KnealeHelen, Tony, Dean, Franklin, Neal and family: Sincerest condolences from Janice, John and Cheryl, and Margaret Ann and Richard. Mom was really shocked to know she had lost her brother. Sadly, she is not well enough to attend the funeral. We are all deeply grateful to Bill for his work on the life of Ignatius Cockshutt, "Merchants Exchange", which made us all so proud to be members of this extraordinary family.

Irven ButtrayHelen and Family our thoughts and prayers are with you in the passing of Bill. He is remembered as an iconic man, a great husband, a fine father and dear friend. Rest assured he is continuing his journey as only he can but will forever remain here in all our hearts.

Hamid, Masuma and FamilyDear Helen and the Cockshutt family. We are so sorry to hear about Bills passing and sending our deepest condolences to you and your respected family. It was our honour knowing him. Bill always had smile on his face and had this very warm and welcoming presence which made our move to Canada much easier with his presence. He will be missed by all of us. It’s been two days since we found out. We are all very sad, especially Mahshed, she told us that she wishes we all could could see Bill one more time before he passed away.

Barry TiffinMy deepest sympathy to you Helen in the passing of your dear husband Bill. Extend my sympathy to your family as well. I was sadden to hear of his passing. Both you and Bill were very good to me. Always friendly and willing to talk and converse. I enjoyed your company when you were at First - St. Andrew's United Church. Thinking of you and wishing you the best.

John KnealeThe board of directors of the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre wishes to express its sincere condolences to the Cockshutt family. Bill was a founding member of our group, its leading light, and a staunch advocate for Brantford's industrial legacy. In recent years he was our Honourary Patron. We take this opportunity to re-commit to his vision of a community that embraces and builds on the best of our past.
John Kneale, President, CIHC

Harold CarruthersISimpathy goes to Bills family. As a cockshutt dealer for over forty years i was able to have several conversation with Bill. There will never be another like him. Will be thinking of the family on this day.

Judy ASHTON ScottI was very sad to read about Bill's passing. It was only last fall that I finally met Bill at his BOOK LAUNCH in Brantford where I chatted with him and many others of the Cockshutt family. I have learned so much from the book and that evening. Thank you, Bill. R.I.P.
My condolences to all from the ASHTON connection.
Judy Scott nee ASHTON.

Fraser & Amy LynnDear Helen,
Amy and I, were very sad to hear of Bill's passing this past Valentine's Day. He was such an exceptional individual who contributed so much to our family history with his historical research, publication of two books, and his many years of involvement with The Cockshutt Club. We will all miss this great man, but will be thankful that he lives on through his many literary as well as other contributions to Canadian society and history.
Love,
Fraser & Amy Lynn

david chillingworthdear Helen i had the privelege to work with Bill at Allied and we worked together rebuilding a Packard car which he enjoyed I am sorry to hear of his passing

Rita Reams-BaderHelen and family, So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a gentle man with a radiant smile! You two made a elegant couple with friendliness surrounding you. Pray that God will cradle you in his arms and fill your dreams with pleasant memories!

Sig PfahlMy condolences to the Cockshutt Family. I will always treasure the signed copy of the book "Cockshutt the complete story".